This course, taught by a specialist in the history of English grammar, investigates the elements of the English language and how these elements are organised in such a way as to allow speakers and writers to combine them to convey messages which can be instantly decoded by listeners (readers). The emphasis will be on grammar (syntax and morphology), although we will also explore some of the connections between grammar and semantics. In the first and larger part of the course, students will be introduced to the grammar of Standard Modern English, learning terminology and analytical techniques which linguists use to build on and modify traditional grammar. The structural characteristics of English will be compared with those of other languages where appropriate. The last part of the course will deal with variation in English, including regional, social and stylistic variation. Special attention will be paid to ‘new Englishes' which have arisen as a result of the learning of English as a second language by people whose first language is not English. A course website is used which includes unique interactive exercises designed by the lecturer to develop students' analytical skills.
Note: While the course is not aimed at improving the English of non-native speakers, students with English as a second language should find that having taken this course will improve their understanding of the workings of the language at a deep level which has practical effects in helping them to eliminate systematic errors in their English. These students as well as native speakers of English will learn metalanguage which will be of assistance to them in understanding and acting on constructive criticisms made by teachers on the language of their essays and other writing.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyse a wide range of English syntactic and morphological structures, applying the grammatical terminology and analytical techniques they have learned in the course.
- Identify instances of specific structures in spoken and written English.
- Systematically analyse differences between different varieties of English.
- Use the Oxford English Dictionary Online and demonstrate their understanding of the information provided in the entries.
- Undertake guided research on a topic in English morphology, syntax, or style.
Indicative Assessment
Two analytical assignments (2-3 pages of data; 3-4 pages of answers, 20% each) [Learning Outcomes 1-4]One research paper of 1500-1800 words (30%) [Learning Outcome 5]
One 2-hour final examination, worth (30%) [Learning Outcomes 1-4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
2 hours of lectures per week for 13 weeks.1 hour of tutorial per week for 12 weeks.
Students can expect a workload of 10 hours per teaching week including contact hours, totaling 130 hours over the semester.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2604 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3576 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1260 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
